In Catalonia, the Council of Statutory Guarantees (Consell de Garanties Estatutàries, CGE) has issued a positive opinion on a draft law aimed at regulating the short-term rental housing market. However, Council experts pointed out one article they believe violates the principle of legal certainty. This refers to a provision concerning the extension of the status of officially protected housing.
Left-wing parties in the region welcomed the Council’s opinion enthusiastically. They have already announced plans to fast-track the bill’s review in parliament. The final vote on the document is expected at the year’s last plenary session—December 15. This move became possible after the Council completed its analysis, which was requested by opposition factions Junts and the People’s Party (Partit Popular de Catalunya, PPC).
Details of the opinion
Although the Council’s opinion is not binding, it was a significant milestone in the legislative process. The document notes that lawmakers’ rights to participate in debates were not violated, nor was the autonomy of local authorities. No overreach of authority by the Catalan government or infringement of the state’s powers in regulating contractual obligations was identified.
At the same time, the Council drew attention to the article concerning the extension of officially protected housing status. According to experts, this provision may contradict the principle of legal certainty and requires further refinement. As a result, left-wing party deputies stated they are open to considering amendments to the controversial article during the upcoming correction stage.
Political response
Eva Candela, a deputy from the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC), noted that her faction is carefully reviewing the Council’s report. She emphasized that the contentious provision can be revised during the amendment period, which will continue until the plenary session. Susanna Segovia, a representative of Comuns, added that their team has consulted with legal experts to ensure maximum protection under the new law. According to her, the Council is only recommending a change in how amendments are introduced, not rejecting the idea itself.
From the deputies’ perspective, extending the protected status of housing is especially crucial in areas facing a shortage of affordable homes. In their view, temporary measures introduced in so-called ‘high-demand zones’ will help preserve the social function of the rental sector and ensure the legal stability of the new regulations.
Criticism and support
Catalonia’s Justice Minister Ester Capella (ERC) expressed dissatisfaction over the delays in reviewing the law caused by the opposition’s appeal to the Council of Guarantees. She accused representatives from Junts and the People’s Party of trying to stall a reform aimed at protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring access to housing. Her criticism was echoed by CUP deputy Laure Vega, who emphasized that the opposition is attempting to block a law that could close loopholes allowing existing rental regulations to be circumvented.
At the same time, opposition party representatives insist on the need for a thorough review of all the law’s provisions to avoid potential legal conflicts in the future. They argue that rushing the document’s adoption could create new problems in the rental market.
Next steps
After the Council’s opinion was published, Catalonia’s parliament was able to resume consideration of the bill. In the coming days, lawmakers are expected to discuss possible amendments, particularly concerning high-demand rental areas and the extension of protected housing status. If the majority supports the document, it will come into force at the beginning of next year.
The seasonal rental bill has become one of the most hotly debated topics this year. Supporters are confident that the new rules will bring order to the market and protect tenants’ interests. Opponents, however, worry that excessive regulation could deter investors and shrink the housing supply.
In case you didn’t know, the Consell de Garanties Estatutàries of Catalonia is an independent body that analyzes whether regional laws comply with the Constitution and the Statute of Autonomy. Its opinions are not binding but often serve as key arguments in parliamentary debates. The Council was established to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens and to prevent legal conflicts between regional and national authorities.
